Exclusive: Hegseth orders Cyber Command to stand down on Russia planning

A report describes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directing U.S. Cyber Command to stand down from planning and offensive operations against Russia—communicated by Gen. Timothy Haugh—with unclear scope and duration; CYBERCOM is compiling a risk assessment of halted missions and remaining threats. The move could affect hunt-forward work tied to Ukraine and broader counter-Russian cyber efforts, potentially heightening risks to private-sector targets amid ongoing SVR and ransomware activity, while the command faces staffing and mission demands (including against designated cartels); the Pentagon declined operational specifics.